Tomatoes: A healthy pick

View full sizeTomatoes are plentiful at area farmers markets.
JOE HERMITT, The Patriot-News

Tomatoes are fruits, but given their lack of fruit-like flavor, they are prepared more like vegetables. Native to South America, these fruits have become a welcome addition to kitchens around the world thanks to the Spanish Conquistadors who transported seeds from Mexico back to Europe.

NUTRITION: Each half-cup serving has only 20 calories. Depending on variety, the nutrients in each fruit vary slightly. Red tomatoes are packed with vitamin C, while yellow tomatoes yield more folate and niacin. Orange tomato varieties contain an antioxidant that is more easily digested than red tomatoes.

HOW TO CHOOSE: Select wrinkle-free fresh tomatoes with deep coloring. When purchasing canned tomatoes choose products canned in the U.S. to protect from the potential lead content of cans.

HOW TO STORE: Store fresh tomatoes at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

HOW TO USE: Use fresh tomatoes within seven days of purchase. Rinse and pat dry before use. To get the most nutrients out of a tomato, eat the entire fruit. Do not cook tomatoes in aluminum cookware because the acid content reacts with the metal.